Fraud doesn’t just cost money—it creates stress.
When funds are compromised, business owners aren’t just dealing with dollars and cents. They’re dealing with missed payroll, delayed vendor payments, disrupted operations, and time pulled away from running the business. And unfortunately, payment fraud continues to rise, with small and mid-sized businesses increasingly in the crosshairs.
The good news? Protecting your cash flow doesn’t require complex systems or a large accounting department. With a few well-chosen controls, businesses can significantly reduce risk while keeping daily operations simple and efficient.
Here are three practical tools that help safeguard your cash flow—and provide peace of mind along the way.
Add Control to Electronic Payments: ACH Filters & Blocks
Electronic payments offer speed, efficiency, and strong security — and added controls can further strengthen protection against unauthorized activity. ACH filters and blocks give you more control over who can electronically debit your account.
For businesses with predictable vendors or limited electronic debits, this tool works like a locked door on your account. Unauthorized transactions are stopped before funds ever leave, helping protect operating cash and reducing the time and stress that comes with fraud recovery.
Best suited for: businesses with recurring vendors, limited ACH activity, or a desire for tighter oversight of electronic payments.
Add a Checkpoint Before Funds Leave: Positive Pay
Even in a digital world, checks remain a frequent fraud target. Positive Pay adds an extra layer of review before checks clear your account.
Here’s how it works:
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You provide the bank with a list of checks you’ve issued.
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As checks are presented for payment, the system matches the check number, amount, and payee.
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Any mismatches are flagged for your review before payment is released.
Instead of discovering fraud after money is gone, Positive Pay gives you the chance to catch suspicious items early. It’s a proactive safeguard that helps reduce risk while keeping you in control.
Best suited for: professional practices, nonprofits, and businesses that issue a higher volume of checks.
Build Accountability Into Your Process: Dual Controls
Some of the strongest protection doesn’t come from technology alone—it comes from good internal habits.
Dual controls require two authorized users to complete sensitive actions, such as:
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Initiating and approving ACH or wire transfers
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Adding or modifying vendors and payees
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Making changes to account permissions
This simple safeguard helps reduce errors, internal fraud, and the risk of compromised credentials. It also supports consistency and accountability as a business grows.
Dual controls don’t have to be complicated. Even small businesses can start with basic separation of duties, adding structure that protects both the business and the people involved.
Best suited for: businesses with shared financial responsibilities, multiple employees, or plans for growth or succession.
The Value of a Local Cash Management Partner
Technology matters—but so does having a banker who knows your business.
At First Bank of Berne, cash management services aren’t “set it and forget it.” Your First Bank of Berne team helps tailor controls to how your business actually operates, checks in as needs evolve, and responds quickly if something doesn’t look right. That hands-on support can make a meaningful difference when timing and cash flow are critical.
It’s not just about preventing fraud—it’s about knowing someone is actively watching out for what you’ve built.
Let’s Take a Look—Before There’s a Problem
Fraud risks change. Businesses grow. Payment habits evolve. That’s why it’s worth reviewing your treasury setup from time to time to make sure it still fits your operation.
A simple check-in can help confirm your cash flow is protected and your controls match how your business runs today.
If you’d like, let’s talk through your current setup together—no pressure, just a conversation to make sure you have the right tools in place to protect your business and keep things running smoothly.